Disney Greats turn out for the Annie Awards

Scarlett Stahl shares another evening with the stars. This time she attended the 40th Annual Annie Awards. The Annie Awards have been presented by the Los Angeles branch of the International Animated Film Association since 1972. ~~Rick

40th ANNUAL ANNIE AWARDS by Scarlett Stahl

On Saturday evening, February 2, the 40th annual Annie Awards were held at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Westwood, California. Luckily the rain that had been forecast held off, except for a few minor sprinkles, so that the attendees’ glamorous attire remained untouched.

ASIFA-Hollywood has hosted an annual award ceremony, called the Annie Awards, since 1972 to honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the art of animation, which is considered to be the American Art Form. In the beginning, June Foray, best known for the voices of Lucifer the Cat, Rocky the Flying Squirrel. Cindy Lou Who, Witch Hazel, Jokey Smurf, and Natasha Fatale, among others, was on the Board of ASIFA-Hollywood and was one of the founders of the Annie Awards. Her husband, Hobart Donavan, (a well known writer) said the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences had an Oscar award and that the Animation Award should be called the Annie.

Linda Swisher and Jerry Beck (Vice President of ASIFA-Hollywood)

At the Annie Ceremony this year, June Foray was the recipient of the Texas Avery Animation Award, which is given to the best and brightest in the animation industry. Normally the award is given at the Dallas International Film Festival. Former recipients of this prestigious award include the following: Brad Bird, Chris Wedge, Henry Selick, Peter Docter, Dean Deblois, Chris Sanders and Glen Keane.

Alice Davis (Disney Legend) and Fabrizio Mancinelli (Composer)

The hosts of the event were film historian/critic Leonard Maltin and voice actors Rob Paulsey and Maurice Lemarche, who all did a great job. However, the comedic talents of last year’s Patton Oswalt (voice of Remy in the Disney/Pixar film “Ratatoulle”) and long time host, Tom Kenny (voice of Sponge Bob Square Pants) were greatly missed. For an important awards ceremony that lasted over three hours, a trained comedic host really adds to the event. One of the most entertaining actor/actress of the evening was Kristen Schall, who earned the Annie for voice acting in an animated television/broadcast production as Mabel Pines in “Gravity Falls: Tourist Trapped.” Her humor, quick wit and bubbly personality really lit up the auditorium.

Mindy Johnson and Frank Gladstone (President of ASIFA-Hollywood)

Howard Green was the recipient of the June Foray Award, given for significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation. During his 36 years at the Walt Disney Studios, he has worked in publicity, marketing, and communications team, currently serving as Vice President, Communications for Walt Disney Animations Studio. Howard’s special area of expertise is animated features and is considered an authority on this art form. He is known and respected widely within the animation world but is an unsung hero to the average public. He has authored two books for Disney: Remembering Walt: Favorite Memories of Walt Disney (with Amy Booth Green) and The Tarzan Chronicles. He has served as co-producer of the Emmy nominated TCM Original Film, “Clint Eastwood Presents: Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s On Me” and also collaborated on the narration for the film, which was executive produced by Clint Eastwood. Howard headed the launch of Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, helped co ordinate Mickey Mouse’s 50th Birthday whistle stop across country train tour. For Mickey’s 60th Birthday he handled publicity for the new Disney-Soviet Union Film Festival. However he is most proud of his close association and duties with Legends such as Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Joe Grant, Marc Davis, Eric Larson, Woolie Reitherman, Ward Kimball, amongst many others. Howard is the man to go to for help with anything relating to Disney animation and is as close to being a Disney himself as anyone could be. His credentials could fill a book and those listed above are only a few highlights of his career. Spotted amongst the crowd were Disney Legend Richard Sherman and his lovely wife, Elizabeth. Also there was Disney Legend Alice Davis, who said that Howard was like an adopted son to her and her deceased husband,
Marc Davis (another Disney Legend.) There were probably numerous others there to honor him as well.

Alice Maltin (Mrs Leonard Maltin) and June Foray

Mark Henn, Terry Gilliam and Oscar Grillo received the Winsor McCay Award, which is given in recognition for career contributions to the art of animation. Former Disney recipients include the following: Andreas Deja, Glen Keane and Eric Goldberg, to name a few of the Disney masters. Disney’s Mark Henn is one of the industry’s most respected artists and is an accomplished sculptor as well. He studied in the Character Animation program at the California Institute of the Arts in the seventies and was hired by Disney in late 1980. He communicates powerful emotions but does so through subtle expressions and light soft touches, almost reminiscent of Monet or Renoir. He is known as The Ladies Man, as he is usually assigned the role of animating the heroines, such as Belle, Jasmine, Tiana, Mulan, amongst numerous other characters. He has acted as director on the award winning John Henry (a short film based on the popular American legend.)

On the left is Scott Johnston (he worked on Lion King and a few other Disney classics) and on the right is Charles Solomon, a well-known animation author/historian — who is also on the board of directors for ASIFA-Hollywood.

Toon Boom Animation Pipeline earned the Ub Iwerks Award for career contributions by individuals or companies for technical advancements that make a significant impact on the art or industry of animation.
Wreck-It Ralph from Walt Disney Animation Studios wrecked the hopes of other animation companies by winning Best Animated Feature, as well as Directing in an Animated Feature Production – Rich Moore, Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production – Alan Tudyk as King Candy, and Directing in an Animated Feature Production – Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee. The film won the Producers Guild of America award last week and is also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

There were two ticket options:
1. General Admission ticket ($30) admits you to the Annie Awards Ceremony ONLY and are only sold through UCLA Central Ticket Office (CTO) – 310.825.2101, or through TicketMaster
2. VIP ticket ($150 for members purchased before 12/31/2012, $200 for members, $250 for non-members) admits you to the Champagne Reception at 5:00 p.m. before the ceremony, the Annie Awards Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. and the Post Award Party immediately following ceremony. VIP tickets are sold only through ASIFA-Hollywood.

DRESS CODE
Black tie affair – dark suit or tux for the men, dressy, after 5 attire for the women.

It was a delightful evening filled with a celebration of Animation. What were your favorite animated films of the year?

Rick has been a long term MiceChat author and co-founder of the Weekend Update. You will often find Rick in the position of "Greeter" at official events due to his warm and welcoming spirit.
If you've got photos, news or trip reports to share, Rick would love to hear from you: [email protected]